It was back to the future for Norwich City's Max Aarons on Saturday as he was deployed in a wide midfield role against Stoke on Saturday. 

Aarons played as a winger during his academy days at both Luton and Norwich before being converted into a right back but was recalled to his previous role by David Wagner as he altered their tactical set-up in an attempt to nullify Stoke's strengths. 

Angus Gunn's heroics ensured City came away from Staffordshire with a point as they struggled to create regular opportunities. 

Aarons' is usually deployed as a right-back, and his more attacking role raised eyebrows, but the 23-year-old enjoyed every second at the Bet365 Stadium. 

"It's obviously a different starting position for me. I've been playing right-back for five years now and it becomes natural where you are on the pitch.

"Building into that, I naturally play high anyway but starting there was a little bit different. I love it there and it was good. I really enjoyed it," City's right-back said after the goalless draw.

"I think playing so high does come naturally to me but I still had a responsibility defensively. That's what we wanted.

"This was my first game there but it would have been nice to look a bit more of a threat as a team and create some more chances. This game could have gone either way so I think it was a fair result."

Aarons has been included in the England U21s squad for friendlies against France and Croatia before returning to City for the final eight matches as they attempt to break into the top six. 

The Pink Un: Max Aarons is ready for the final push at Norwich City.Max Aarons is ready for the final push at Norwich City. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

He is targeting a strong return to action when Norwich welcome second-placed Sheffield United to Carrow Road the other side of the international break. 

"It will be nice to go away and get some games there and then straight back to it with a big game against Sheffield United," he said.

"We're at the business end of the season now and you have to deliver with performances and results - that is what we will be looking to do.

"We have been there before at the top end of the league and now it looks like we're going down a different route via the playoffs."